African Heritage (Black History) Month is recognized every February at the Toronto District School Board. Nationally, it has been recognized since 1996 through a motion introduced in the House of Commons by The Honourable Jean Augustine.
This year’s theme, The Power of Us, guides the month’s activities. It highlights Black Student Well-Being, belonging, and Black Brilliance, and invites everyone to help build community and support Black Mental Wellness.
The TDSB has organized a range of events to celebrate the heritage and histories of the people and nations of Africa and the African Diaspora. These include the Know Your Worth Black Youth Empowerment Conference for secondary students, offered in partnership with the York University Black Law Student Association. The Know Your Worth Educators Conference and the You See Me Black Youth Empowerment Elementary Conference will also continue this year to expand learning across the system.
Black Students Alliance groups continue to grow across the TDSB under the guidance of staff advisors. Through meetings, assemblies, guest speakers, and presentations, students support one another and help advance the TDSB commitment to equity, inclusion, and Black students' success.
The African Heritage (Black History) Month Volunteer Planning Committee has also established a Know Your Worth Scholarship, which provides three financial awards of up to $2,000. These awards support students entering a Canadian post-secondary institution. Details about the application process will be shared in the coming months. Here is information on how to make Know Your Worth Scholarship donations.
Black-identifying students across the TDSB were invited to submit artwork for the African Heritage (Black History) Month Poster Contest, reflecting their interpretation of this year’s theme. The two posters are featured below.
To begin the month, all students, staff, and community members are invited to join a virtual celebration featuring performances by Black artists, students, and notable speakers. Event details are provided below.
Happy African Heritage (Black History) Month at the TDSB! Please follow us on X at @tdsbAfricanHM and on Instagram at @tdsb_african_hm.
African Heritage (Black History) Month Virtual Launch Celebration
February 2 from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.
Join the Microsoft Teams stream here
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